Protect yourself from ‘no snow’

Of those surveyed, 41% of Holidaysafe.co.uk’s customers said that the risk of no snow at their resort would deter them from their winter holiday. However, 55% are prepared to spend more on their winter break to get guaranteed snow.

The effect of poor snowfall and warm temperatures, which plagued Europe throughout the 2015-16 season and dethroned France as the world’s top skiing destination, can also be observed in Holidaysafe.co.uk’s winter holiday sales with the number of worldwide winter holiday sales now almost equivalent to European destinations.

Poor snow fall and snow quality is not only an inconvenience for skiers it is also dangerous, intensifying the risk of injury. Holidaysafe.co.uk found that 6% of respondents had been injured on the slopes, a figure which is unsurprising considering lack of snow or icy conditions can cause skiers to tense up, lose control and have more severe injuries on impact.

Amber Howard, brand manager of Holidaysafe.co.uk, said: “With European snow fall down year-on-year, it is no wonder people are travelling further in search of natural snow fall"

“It is important that skiers are aware of how lack of snow may increase the chances of injury. Patches of ice can form in warmer conditions, and obstacles like rocks may not be covered with enough snow to prevent danger, so it is essential that skiers are vigilant when it comes to safety precautions and that they obtain specialist winter sports travel insurance before departing for their skiing break.

“Where artificial snow is used to compensate for a lack of fresh powder, the quality of the skiing may be affected; concerned skiers might consider purchasing ‘no snow’ travel insurance cover, which provides compensation in the event of poor weather conditions.”